Welcome Alex!

This is your Bits & Pretzels Journey

Alex Ilic

Co-Founder & Executive Director, ETH AI Center

About:

PD Dr. Alexander Ilic is the Executive Director and a co-founder of the ETH AI Center. He completed his habilitation at University of St. Gallen (HSG), holds a PhD from ETH Zurich, and a MSc from TU Munich. Alex is a Swiss-German deep tech entrepreneur, researcher, and investor. He co-founded the computer vision start-up Dacuda which was acquired by Augmented Reality pioneer Magic Leap in 2017. He served as head of Magic Leap Switzerland from Feb 2017 to August 2020 where he built up the R&D Center of Excellence for Computer Vision & Deep Learning in Zurich and a R&D Center of Excellence for Advanced Photonics in Lausanne. He was named twice "Entrepreneur of the Year" (2011 by HSG, 2012 by EY) and won several entrepreneurship prizes including the Swiss Economic Award.

Ticket Category: VIP

Monday, September 29th - Conference Day 1

Tuesday, September 30th - Conference Day 2

Briefings

In the briefing, you’ll receive all essential information about the event and its surroundings — everything you need to feel well-prepared and confident throughout the experience.

Get your Briefing

Your Agenda

Monday, September 28th, Conference Day 1

Time

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Conference Day I

Immerse yourself in a day filled with visionary keynotes, hands-on masterclasses, and exclusive networking opportunities.

2:25 pm - 3:10 pm

Everyone Is Chasing AI. Where Is the Overlooked Opportunity?

Is there anything hot beyond AI??? Debate with us whether taste, brand, community, and human authenticity are becoming the new moats in an AI-enabled market and in figuring out where these markets actually are. From health, longevity, and wellness to investing in Africa or Latin America, this panel explores whether beyond-AI theses can still deliver venture-scale returns, or whether AI simply becomes the invisible infrastructure behind all companies.

7:00 pm - 11:00 pm

VIP Dinner @ Schottenhamel Oktoberfest

Enjoy our unique VIP Dinner Experience. At the heart of Oktoberfest, where tradition and innovation collide in the oldest of all tents.

Tuesday, September 29th, Conference Day 2

Time

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Conference Day II

Experience deep-dive discussions, interactive panel talks, and curated matchmaking sessions that bring together the brightest minds in business and innovation.

6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Bits & Pretzels Speaker Dinner @ Käfer Feinkostladen

The evening promises high-level networking in an exceptional setting, complemented by exquisite cuisine. We are delighted to host the dinner at the iconic Käfer Feinkostladen, one of Munich’s most renowned culinary institutions, and look forward to welcoming you for a memorable evening.

Wednesday, September 30th, Oktoberfest Day

Time

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Table Captain Networking

This is your moment to showcase your expertise and receive valuable insights from the attendees, sparking new ideas and connections.

Social Media Graphics

Share it on social media to announce your role at Bits & Pretzels 2026 and tag #Bits26. If you want to get the most out of this, here are our tips to boost reach & engagement:

Add the Hashtag #bits26 and mention @Bits&Pretzels so we can  interact with your content.
Mention any fellow speaker/table captains who are also attending
Mention what companies/people you are excited to meet at Bits

Social Media Posts - LinkedIn

Open

Social Media Posts - Speaking Slot

Open

Your Ticket

Your ticket grants access to all three days of the event.
Please use the exclusive VIP/Speaker check-in at Entrance West (badge collection with ticket + valid ID).
Note: short waiting times may occur on Monday morning.

Your Presentation - deadline 24.09.2025

Upload Guidelines for Presentations

If you have a presentation, please ensure that you submit your materials/files in a single zip folder containing the following:

1. Presentation File:

Keynote file 16:9 (1920x1080px) or PowerPoint file (.pptx, 1920x1080px).
Please make sure all fonts and videos are embedded within the file, if applicable.

2. PDF File:

A PDF version of your presentation with all fonts embedded.

3. Fonts:

Any custom fonts used in your presentation (please include the font files).

4. Videos:

All videos included in the presentation must also be provided separately.
Format: 16:9 aspect ratio, 1920x1080px (Full HD).
File type: MP4 or .m4v.

Deadline: All presentation materials must be submitted no later than September 24, 2025.
This is necessary to allow our technical team to review and test the presentations in advance.

Upload